He said, she said

"She's my little sister, but I look up to her. She has already achieved so much in her lifetime, it's incredible. I can't wait to see what she does next."

Sharon, on younger sister Jasmin:

"Jazzy is one of the most loyal and honest people I know. She's always there to support her family and friends and if you ask her opinion, she'll give you an honest one."

Jasmin, on older brother Louis:

"Louie is a smart, responsible and hardworking dude. He is someone you always want on your team, in any situation."

Louis Day had it figured out at an early age. In order to create maximum mayhem, he would need an accomplice.

"I was the mastermind," Lou said, as his sisters looked at each other and laughed.

Lou, or Louie, is 29, the oldest of three. His younger sisters, Sharon, 28, and Jasmin, 25, effectively known as Shay Shay and Jazzy, were often his minions in annoying the other, as he plotted with the baby sister of his choice on how to pester the remaining sibling.

Today, Louie stands 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. Physically he has the stature to bully Shay Shay and Jazzy, and just about whoever he pleases. But he wouldn't hurt a fly, and his baby sisters are his pride and joy. Their maturation as young women and their athletic success make it easy for him to brag.

The three Costa Mesa natives were born with athletic genes. Their parents, Eugene and Yolanda, were both track stars who met at a meet in New York.

"Since we were little, athletics have always been a part of our lives, since we could walk," Sharon said. "It's just a part of who we are."

However, the success of one has helped to define the bond between the three.

SHARON

Lou, Sharon and Jasmin sit around a Starbucks coffee table, spreading out their chairs to make room for their long limbs.

Sharon stands 5-foot-9, 160 pounds. She's as fit as an athlete can be. Even in street clothes, her physique is impressive.

Her accolades are endless. A banner commemorating her success hangs in the Costa Mesa High School gymnasium. In the trophy case outside the gym is a shoe, worn by Sharon during her track days at Costa Mesa, as well as a photo and a plaque.

She attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she was an All-American seven times and won numerous NCAA titles.

But that's the past. Sharon's mission now is to have that success on another level – the highest level imaginable: the Olympics.

Sharon is already a two-time Olympian. She competed in the high jump in 2008 in Beijing, and in the heptathlon in 2012 in London, an event that combines the high jump, long jump, javelin throw, shot put, 800 meters, 200 meters and 100 meter hurdles.

In 2012, Sharon finished 16th. In 2008, she didn't qualify for the high jump final.

"I feel like I can only do better," Sharon said. "I feel like I didn't do as well as I could have the last two Olympics, and now I have a lot more experience. Every year, my events have gotten better. I think I have a good chance to do well."

As Sharon drinks from her Starbucks cup, describing her Olympic experiences in between sips, the tone is one of excitement, especially from younger sister, Jasmin.

Jasmin accompanied Sharon to Beijing and London, and finishing Sharon's sentences seems to be a pastime for Jasmin. At one point in time, so was equaling the success of "big sis."

"When I was competing, it was definitely something to strive for, to be like Sharon," Jasmin said. "I wanted to follow in her footsteps."

Sharon, Jasmin and Louis Day (R-L) pushed each other athletically as children. COURTESY OF SHARON DAY
Louis Day, middle, says that his younger sisters, Jasmin, left, and Sharon, right, were already college level athletes early in their high school careers. COURTESY OF SHARON DAY
A shoe worn by Sharon Day, as well as a plaque commemorating her success, are on display in the Costa Mesa High trophy case. CHAS METIVIER
Jasmin Day, middle, said that she had to be better or just as good as her older siblings, Sharon, left, and Lou, right, when it came to athletics. COURTESY OF SHARON DAY
Louis Day stands a muscular 6-foot-4, 220 lbs today, hopes to see his sister compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics. COURTESY OF LOUIS DAY
Jasmin Day was a standout track and soccer athlete at University of Arizona, before tearing ligaments in her left ankle. COURTESY OF LUKE ADAMS
Louis Day played soccer and football while growing up in Costa Mesa, and at Costa Mesa High School. COURTESY OF SHARON DAY
Sharon Day competes in the 110 meter hurdles race during the women's heptathlon at the Hypo Meeting in Goetzis, Austria, in May of 2013. KERSTIN JOENSSON, AP

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